From Twitter tweets to emails to personal discussions with co-workers, I am often approached by plus-size women seeking advice on where they can shop for trendy apparel designed for a full-figure woman. Unfortunately, I’ve been pretty ignorant on the subject. I think most of us are all familiar with Lane Bryant and Torrid, but beyond that, where does the fashionable plus-size woman go to find her own trendy garments? I mean, are those two stores really the only options?

After doing a little a research on the Internet, I found many more options, all with pros and cons. But, that’s the way it is with most any retailer. Below is a breakdown of what I found for the savvy, stylish shopper sizes 14W and up.

MyShape.com
The most important discovery I made was this awesome personalized site. If ever you have found yourself frustrated and disappointed with your lack of options as a full-figure woman, then MyShape.com is your rescue. The site delivers what it promises: “Our wish is to make shopping simple for you.”

You begin by creating a free account, entering your sizes, measurements and selecting your favorite brands and designers. Upon completion of your personal preferences, MyShape.com assigns you a shape, with the intention of guiding you as to what types of styles and shapes are your best choices when shopping. Think of it as having your own personal shopper. MyShape.com creates a Personal Shop just for you, based on your shape and size and recommends pieces that will be the most flattering for your figure type. In addition, you recieve a $25 coupon which may be used for orders of $50 or more. I highly recommend MyShape.com and urge you to create your Personal Shop today.

Designer Department Stores
I bet you never realized that both Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus have Plus-Size departments. Both feature trendy, fashionable selections that keep a curvy woman looking hip, modern and stylish.

Tried and True
We know them, we love them, but probably never knew that they also offer great plus-size selections. Searching for wear-to-work apparel? Look no further than Talbots. This store is a little on the pricey side, but features pieces that are very classy and very flattering. CLICK HERE to read their helpful plus-size shopping guide: Celebrate Your Shape.

Always found adjacent to a Target or Wal-Mart is Fashion Bug. If you’re looking to buy something you plan on wearing for just one season and you’re on a tight budget, then the Plus section of Fashion Bug is just right for you. Most finds are under $40.

Old Navy has become quite an old classic, showcasing great finds that are both trend-setting and affordable, and their Women’s Plus department is just as cute and fresh as their Women’s department.

Image from OldNavy.com.

Other Options
While I put a lot of research into this subject, it all began by simply Googling “plus size clothes for less.” And the results were plentiful and included the sites listed below. The point is not to despair. There are options out there, and as is the case with anything life, you just have to put forth the effort to find them. Here are some more for you below, and if you have any suggestions for plus-size shopping, please leave a comment. Enjoy and happy shopping!

Junonia
Nice selection of tunics.

Silhouettes
Overall great selection of items.

Size Appeal
Cute, sexy tops. Yes, big girls can be sexy, too.

Image from SizeAppeal.com.

Jessica London
I personally thought the models were too skinny, but for the most part, this site has a nice selection of dresses and sweaters.

Kiyonna
A little expensive, but very stylish and trendy. Start with sale section first.

Woman Within
They also use too-skinny models, but they have a great selection of wide calf boots.

Avenue.com
I was most impressed with this site. Easy to shop. Cute. Stylish. Fun. Begin by checking out their Trend Shop.

Image from Avenue.com.